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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: During separation but prior to divorce proceedings, can I liquidate some of a retirement account?

The account was created and funded while we were married. How do retirement accounts figure into things? What could the penalty be once we go to divorce court?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 18, 2024

In California, retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions that were contributed to during the marriage are generally considered community property, meaning they are subject to division during a divorce. However, liquidating or withdrawing funds from a retirement account prior to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can my ex husband leave our 12 year old daughter home alone overnight while he's working night shift?

My ex started working a full time overnight position leaving our 12 year old daughter home alone on his nights which are Wed, Thursday and every other Friday. He kept this a secret until my daughter finally told me. I'm highly concerned and I live 6 minutes away, however he's so... View More

Allison Kruk Ormond
Allison Kruk Ormond
answered on Jun 18, 2024

In deciding whether to modify custody, the Court considers whether there has been a change in circumstances and whether a change to the custody schedule would be in the child’s best interests. A judge may decide that your ex leaving the child alone at night is a change in circumstance and that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Ex's attorney filed Prop FOAH without my knowledge and the Judge signed it.

We had hearing last week and the Court issued 4 page minute order regarding custody (very detailed) 2 days later. The judge ordered "The RP's counsel is to write Order after Hearing, serve it on the opposition for approval....etc". and I know the Court rule 5.125 and I was waiting... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it appears that your ex's attorney filed a Proposed Findings and Order After Hearing (FOAH) without your knowledge, and the judge signed it, even though the content of the proposed order was modified and differed from the court's minute order. In... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Ex's attorney filed Prop FOAH without my knowledge and the Judge signed it.

We had hearing last week and the Court issued 4 page minute order regarding custody (very detailed) 2 days later. The judge ordered "The RP's counsel is to write Order after Hearing, serve it on the opposition for approval....etc". and I know the Court rule 5.125 and I was waiting... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Immediately file an objection to the proposed FOAH and specify in your objection, the grounds for the objection. Be very clear. Attach a copy of the minute order to your objection (assuming the minute order is different from the proposed FOAH). Since the FOAH has already been signed by the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I move out off my home until tells o I am divorced and not get in any trouble and not loose my half of me aets

My husband is calling me names and trying to make me miserable while we are living together being very mean saying he should of bashed my head in and calling me bad names he says he is going to make me miserable until I leave:he thinks if I leave he is going to get me for abandoned the home so... View More

Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on Jun 18, 2024

You can leave the home without affecting any marital rights you may have in the home other than possession and access. Once you leave the home and the divorce is filed, you will not be able to return to the home unless you have a court order or an agreement between you and your husband. Also, if... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I move out off my home until tells o I am divorced and not get in any trouble and not loose my half of me aets

My husband is calling me names and trying to make me miserable while we are living together being very mean saying he should of bashed my head in and calling me bad names he says he is going to make me miserable until I leave:he thinks if I leave he is going to get me for abandoned the home so... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Moving out of the marital home while awaiting the finalization of the divorce does not automatically mean you relinquish your rights to the property. The home remains marital property regardless of who lives in it until the court issues a final decree in the divorce proceedings.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Criminal Law and Family Law for California on
Q: How do I get help retrieving property stolen by my now-ex during our divorce?

In California:

I had ≈ $30k in personal/non-communal property [I have proof of ownership: receipts, email threads, pre-theft photos] stolen during a divorce, now settled. I have fairly good idea where my property went but need a search warrant to get the final details from the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Dealing with theft of personal property during a divorce can be challenging, especially when it seems like law enforcement and the courts are not being helpful. Let me provide some general information and suggestions for your situation under California... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My husband and I are seperated I have 2 vehicles in my name only. 1 before marriage 1 after. Can he take either car?

He currently has the 1 before we were married that is in my maiden name and refuses to make payments and will not return it. Its now in repo. He is ruining my credit. He has not contributed financially to anything. we were together only 3 months once he came home from prison and has not... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 17, 2024

During a divorce, all property owned or possessed by either spouse is presumed to be community property. That presumption can be overcome by clear and convincing evidence proving, for example, that you bought the property (i.e. the car) before your date of marriage. Because motor vehicle titles... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can my husband put me.in jail lying to police saying I did drugs planting them on me in my sleep

My husband, diagnosed as a clinical psychopath since his youth, has controlled me for 25 years. He limits my access to money, forces me to handle all financial responsibilities, and threatens eviction if I don't comply. Despite supporting him through addiction treatments and legal issues,... View More

Vonnie Clay Dones III
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Vonnie Clay Dones III
answered on Jun 17, 2024

It is unfortunate that your husband would do such a thing after supporting him for 25 years. You will need to hire an attorney to argue your legal defense and obtain the best possible outcome which should be the dismissal of your case under the provided facts and circumstances. If you do not have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can my husband put me.in jail lying to police saying I did drugs planting them on me in my sleep

My husband, diagnosed as a clinical psychopath since his youth, has controlled me for 25 years. He limits my access to money, forces me to handle all financial responsibilities, and threatens eviction if I don't comply. Despite supporting him through addiction treatments and legal issues,... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 17, 2024

With respect to the criminal charge, if you are indigent, you will receive a court-appointed attorney.

Since you maintain that you are innocent of the charges, you should secure a hair follicle drug test as soon as possible to corroborate your testimony that the drugs were planted and do...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: Can a father take back a phone and watch that were Christmas gifts or file a stole property report?

What are the laws in Michigan about receiving gifts, then asking for it back and being threatened to file a police report that’s it’s stolen property? The kid is 18 and the father is enraged that I filed for a support review for my 14 year (it’s been 10 years since the last order, oldest... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 17, 2024

Generally, once a gift is given, it's the receiver's property. Unless the father has some evidence these items were stolen, he's risking filing a false police report - which is a crime itself - once the police investigate and find he actually gave those items and now just wants them back.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: Seeking Court Order for Child’s Screen Time and Sleep Schedule?

I am seeking advice on obtaining a court order for the following conditions concerning my 4-year-old autistic child due to concerns about my ex-spouse’s smartphone addiction. so, can I request these order below during the next RFOMOD custody hearing:

1) Limit exposure to mobile devices to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

In California, courts make decisions about child custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. When a child has special needs, such as autism, the court will consider those needs when making orders.

To request the specific orders you mentioned during a Request for Order...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

Delaram Keshvarian
Delaram Keshvarian
answered on Jun 18, 2024

Thank you for your question!

A spouse cannot hide her assets (if come from community property that belongs to marriage). I'm California, they use the trace-back method and track back the source of funds of each property to see if that property is a community property or not. All...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Jun 17, 2024

Most people set up trusts with their names as the trust’s name (such as John Doe 2024 Trust), but I have had a number of people who select specific names for other reasons. One couple took the first two letters of their kids’ names and made up a word as the name of their trust. Others have used... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What makes a real property trust valid in California?

If a real property is placed into a trust intending to hide it from or defraud a spouse during marriage or within a divorce OR if the real properties were placed in trust under synthetic names - is it a valid trust? Does it matter how much time passes before the truth was found?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 17, 2024

To create a valid trust for real property in California, the following elements must be present:

1. Intent: The settlor (person creating the trust) must have a clear intent to create a trust.

2. Property: The trust must hold identifiable real property located in California....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida, how likely would it be that an absent father would get custody and / or visitation? I need some legal advice

Sons dad resides in NY. My son & I reside in FL (son was born here) Sons dad has accused me of parental alienation since the birth of our child. He has always had a phone # to contact me & address. Ex has seen our 8 y/o son twice since he was born in 2015. I brought our son to NY in 2019... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jun 16, 2024

The legal standard in Florida is what is in the best interest of the child. If a parent has been absent for an extended period the court is not going to thrust them together. Reunification is possible but can be a lengthy process. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Court order for child's screen time/sleep due to co-parent's smartphone addiction?

We have 50/50 custody (3-4-4-3 schedule) of our 4-year-old child with my ex. I am deeply concerned about my ex's serious smartphone game addiction, which negatively impacts our child's sleep and overall well-being. Ex has promoted the child to play smartphone game for easier parenting for... View More

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jun 16, 2024

There is no "device" you can use to monitor the child's sleep. You can get court orders however regarding a 4-year-old's use of a smart phone all together, regarding bedtime, and regarding bedtime routines, and regarding time spent on the smart phone whether playing games or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for California on
Q: Court order for child's screen time/sleep due to co-parent's smartphone addiction?

We have 50/50 custody (3-4-4-3 schedule) of our 4-year-old child with my ex. I am deeply concerned about my ex's serious smartphone game addiction, which negatively impacts our child's sleep and overall well-being. Ex has promoted the child to play smartphone game for easier parenting for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 16, 2024

Under California law, the court's primary concern in child custody cases is the best interests of the child. This includes ensuring that the child has a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, which can be negatively impacted by excessive screen time or inadequate sleep.

While there...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New York on
Q: Can I enforce my ex to pay for our son's CIT camp training program based on the language of our agreement?

Ex refuses to pay for our 14-year-old son's CIT training program at the camp he has attended since age 5. He claims he agreed to pay for day camp "until 13 years old" and that son is "old enough to be on his own and doesn't need to be forced into a job so that [I] cam work... View More

David P. Badanes
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David P. Badanes
answered on Jun 16, 2024

When a Judge sees the word "reasonable" it should mean reasonable in the eyes of the general public and standards. My opinion is that given the language you quoted, as long as the cost for the CIT training is not excessive, it would seem that your ex would need to pay for it. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Social Security and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits paid monthly

Q: Can I force an ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under SS to offset equalization of existing benefits I pay monthly?

Our divorce decree mandates I pay an equalization amount to her monthly along with 50% of my Govt Retirement. I believe she has not filed so I have to pay her from my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

Unfortunately, you cannot force your ex-wife to file for spousal benefits under Social Security. Social Security rules allow her to decide when to file for benefits, and there is no legal mechanism to compel her to do so. However, understanding your options can help you manage this situation.... View More

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